walking horse owners association

walking horse owners association

The Question Has Been Asked…

WHAT IS WHOA?

Much like the pioneers of the 1800’s in search of a better way of life, the Walking Horse Owners’ Association (WHOA) was founded by dedicated people of the Walking Horse industry in pursuit of a more active and honorable way to promote the breed. In December, 1976 WHOA was formed as a nationwide program to upgrade the integrity of shows, sales and exhibitions of the Tennessee Walking Horse.

WHOA established the following:

A judge solicitation standard

A committee to oversee the enforcement of rules and regulations

A horse show affiliation program

Judges’ seminars and stewards’ (DQP) clinics,

Breed Registry (no longer in existence)

Sales and Horse shows under the WHOA banner

In 1979, WHOA sponsored the first International Grand Championship Walking Horse Show in Murfreesboro, TN. The original two-night event has steadily grown to encompass 2 separate events including a Pleasure and Colt Championship held in August and a Performance Horse Championship in October of each year. The International was named Multi-night show of the year in 2004 by the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association and the Voice Readers Poll. In 2005-2006 The International was named multi-night show of the year by the Walking Horse Report Readers Poll.

A history-making event in the Walking Horse industry took place in January 1990, when the Owners’ Association joined with the Tennessee Walking Horse Breeders’ & Exhibitors’ Association and the Walking Horse Trainers’ Association to form the National Horse Show Commission (NHSC).

With this change, the Owners’ Association relinquished its duties associated with the International Walking Horse Breed Registry to the TWHBEA. Affiliation of Horse Shows and the selection and licensing of DQPs and judges was turned over to the NHSC. WHOA is now responsible for issuing amateur and youth cards to all exhibitors participating in NHSC affiliated shows. WHOA has over 5000 members annually from 40 states and several foreign countries. As of 2006 WHOA and the WHTA continue as industry organizations involved in the NHSC. Both of these organizations bring integrity and leadership to the NHSC with four members from each serving on its Board of Directors. WHOA is deeply committed to the concept of the National Horse Show Commission and its undertakings. As a part of the rule-making body, the Owners’ Association helps to enforce the rules and regulations established by the NHSC.

Although changes have been made in responsibilities, WHOA continues to dedicate itself to the integrity of the Walking Horse industry. WHOA is, and has always been, the voice of individuals that show Tennessee Walking Horses. The elected Board of Directors represents each member to the best of their ability and urge you to let them know your concerns and ideas.

WHOA is also involved in various charities each year. In 2006, WHOA events benefited Hope House of Murfreesboro, Christmas for the Children of Rutherford County and The Kiwanis Club of Murfreesboro, TN. WHOA does many other things to help charitable organizations, such as, sponsoring classes at various civic club shows through out the country and the sponsorship of ribbons for Academy program classes at any show.

The benefits of WHOA membership include:

WHOA will host, sponsor and promote 22 events in 2007 including a National Convention, 13 Versatility shows over 8 states throughout the year, The International Grand Championships and the WHOA Academy Program with 5 shows for 2007

Valuable Industry Coupons worth hundreds of dollars in savings for WHOA members

WHOA Youth Challenge Performance Horse Canter Program with over 40 shows participating in 2007

A membership directory and informational CD published every 2 years

The right to vote for Board members

The privilege of participating in the National High Point awards

“The Quest” Rewarding top 10 year end points winners in 4 Amateur –Youth Divisions

The Register of Merit program for Plantation horses

The right to attend any WHOA meeting

Amateur- youth cards for showing purposes

Chance to be a part of the Walking Horse Owners’ Youth Association (WHOYA)

WHOA has a full-time staff with offices located in Murfreesboro. Tommy Hall serves as Executive Director of WHOA and has held that position since 1983. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday – Friday, except for major holidays. The 2007 WHOA president is David Pruett of Nashville, Tennessee.